Recent Stories

Town Hall Happenings

Enjoying the longer daylight hours and spending time outdoors is easy to do in our wonderful town. Read on for more information about activities in and around town.

How we put the General Fund to work

With winter winding down and spring upon us, the budget process is in full swing for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). An important aspect of the budget process is the General Fund—and how it does and does not work. We will look at the current 2025 fiscal year, at the budget for FY26, and we will consider the near-term years beyond.

Why BOE’s budget deserves community support

While Granby students look forward to spring break, the town’s budget process is in full swing. Superintendent Cheri Burke’s forward-thinking education budget includes investments in staffing and programming to meet the needs of students, staff and facilities now and in the future. Unfortunately, the Granby Board of Finance budget guidance does not align with these goals. The Granby Board of Education now faces tough decisions to balance educational needs with taxpayer concerns.

Correction

In March’s article about the Drummer Puzzle Slam, Amber Wyzik’s daughter was incorrectly identified. Kaya Wyzik was the puzzler team member. We apologize for the error.

Farmington Valley Chorale receives grant

Farmington Valley Chorale, based in Simsbury, received a $4,171 grant through the Connecticut Office of the Arts. This award offers support for general operations for theaters and performing groups.

Come, Sit, Stay, and See for Me

The animal looked noble, poised and totally alert as it guided the person across the street, navigating through pedestrians and traffic. It exuded confidence despite the din of downtown Hartford and all the obstacles around which it maneuvered. I saw the white cane the human carried and the harness worn by the German shepherd.

Safe Grad art contest winners

Congratulations to the winners of the annual Granby Parents for a Safe Graduation Art Contest. Seniors were invited to submit original artwork and the winning submission was featured on the Safe Grad t-shirt and used for the party invitation. 

Granby Artists All-Member Art Show Aug. 10

The Granby Artists Association (GAA) is presenting its 2023 All Members Art Show from Aug. 10 to Aug. 24 at the East Granby Public Library. The GAA works to create a vibrant and supportive community for the arts in Granby and is proud to share this amazing variety of artwork from local artists with the community.

Meet me at the Center

Please visit granby-ct.gov/senior-services or check your Center Life Newsletter for a complete listing of the health services, support groups, clubs, and ongoing activities.

LGBTQ+ Moveable Senior Program expands

Last month the CT Healthy Living Collective announced the expansion of the CT LGBTQ+ Moveable Senior Center Program to coincide with the celebration of Pride Month.

Holcomb Farm Fresh Access

Thursdays through Oct. 26, 11–11:45 a.m. Enjoy fresh produce graciously donated from the Fresh Access Program through the Holcomb Farm CSA.

Prayer request boxes dedicated

On June 4, members of Granby Congregational Church, United Church of Christ gathered to dedicate a prayer request box

Great Girdlers! and What We Can Do for You

April’s Not Wanted column detailed the invasion of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), considered the worst plant pest since the spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth). Since 2014 it has hitchhiked into a dozen states via egg masses attached to trains, lumber and other moving objects.

Stylish breakfast meeting

The final Women’s Breakfast meeting before the summer break included a fashion show with members modeling clothes from Chico’s of Canton.

Preparing to address the next capital need

In the last Drummer issue, an article about the budget public hearing erred in saying that the money that the boards view as reserved for the upcoming communications project was included in the recently-approved FY24 budget. It is not in the budget.

JUNE IS DOG LICENSING MONTH

All dogs aged six months and older must be licensed by June 30, 2023; however no 2023-2024 dog licenses can be sold prior to June 1.

The General Fund—Fiscal Workhorse

Granby’s General Fund often shares the focus of the yearly budget process. While the operating budget itself can be viewed as similar to an income and expense statement as in business, the general fund is the checkbook through which all that budget activity runs and, in the end, is the repository for all of those monies coming in and going out—not just for the year but over the years since inception.